The authors present the characterization of a T cell receptortransgenic mouse with specificity for the immunodominant epitope in the West Nile virus (WNV) NS4B protein (here referred to as transgenic WNV-I mice). Using an adoptive-transfer model, they found that WNV-I CD8+ T cells behaved similarly to endogenous CD8+ T cell responses, with an expansion phase in the periphery beginning around day 7 postinfection (p.i.) followed by a contraction phase through day 15 p.i. [J Virol]
Abstract

Scientists demonstrated that a conserved cryptic epitope that is unrecognized by the host immune system following infection can protect mice following vaccination, and that immunity is strengthened and broadened following successive infections. [Sci Rep]
Full Article

Recent high-resolution broadly neutralizing human monoclonal antibodie (bNAb) epitope mapping and structural analysis of bNAb-epitope complexes that may serve as a guide for vaccine development are discussed along with major obstacles. [Trends Microbiol]
Abstract

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A $15-million gift from the visionary Montreal-based Doggone Foundation will launch the McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, a unique and highly collaborative endeavour that will harness the scientific expertise, resources and creativity of researchers at McGill, the McGill University Health Centre and affiliated research partners in the battle against infectious and immune-related diseases. [McGill University]
Press Release

The new $12 million “Ending the Pandemic Threat: A Grand Challenge for Universal Influenza Vaccine Development” from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Lucy and Larry Page is an important and necessary step toward finding a game-changing solution to end the threat of flu, according to experts at the Sabin Vaccine Institute, a leading advocate for expanding vaccine access and uptake across the world. This challenge invites researchers from any discipline to submit innovative ideas for safe, effective, affordable flu vaccines. [Sabin Vaccine Institute]
Press Release 1 | Press Release 2

The Sabin Vaccine Institute has awarded Paul Offit, MD, of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the 2018 Albert B. Sabin Gold Medal. Sabin recognized Dr. Offit as co-inventor of an oral rotavirus vaccine and for his leadership as one of the United States’ most vocal and dedicated advocates for immunization. [Sabin Vaccine Institute]
Press Release

The Trump Administration’s proposal to slash funding to fight global health threats like malaria, Ebola, and HIV/AIDS could cost states thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in economic investment and put the health of residents at risk, according to a new state-by-state analysis released on Capitol Hill by the Global Health Technologies Coalition. [Global Health Technologies Coalition]
Editorial

A University of Tokyo scientist known for his work on cell division has been fired, Retraction Watch reports. The university announced the “disciplinary dismissal” in a statement released. [The Scientist]
Editorial